Home
>
Success
>
Personal Excellence: Whats Your Motivation? (Part 2 of 3)

Personal Excellence: Whats Your Motivation? (Part 2 of 3)

The scene from "Biloxi Blues" where Matthew Broderick's character kept asking, "Is the heat getting hotter?" was looping in my mind. Indeed, the surface of the sun may well have been a cooler place to spend the day.

I was standing at the base of the Great Pyramid in Giza, Egypt. I had just been to the Valley of the Kings and Queens, marveled at the treasures of civilization's cradle, and was having a great time with my wife and college buddy. I was constantly intrigued during my stay, but my experience before this colossus of geometry was sublimely spiritual.

As I marveled in serene wonder, a ruddy Frenchman approached me. He and I, on that cauldron of a plateau, shared a moment of awe. The Frenchman asked, half rhetorically, "How could so primitive a people build such a magnificent and enduring structure?" He explained that he was an engineer and understood the immensity of what stood before him. How indeed was this accomplished? Thus began an exchange that has stayed with me, over a decade hence.

"Gods", I answered, "gods".

"What do you mean?" he mused, genuinely interested.

"Well, the pharaohs were these people's gods, and their gods were their lives. Their place in this life and the next depended on their service to the gods. Slave labor was used, to be sure, but even those forced to contribute to this work did so because their lives--and afterlives--depended on it."

"But", he protested, "we have so much more advanced technology, and we have yet to duplicate their feats."

"Sure, but we aren't as motivated, are we"? Was I having an insight, or was the heat getting hotter? "In many ways, science and exploration are our 'gods'", I offered. "In service to them, we've altered genes, split the atom and explored the moon. We've performed deeds just as inspiring as building pyramids without bulldozers. With the proper motivation, we can do anything."

"I suppose you're right," was his uncertain reply.

"Oui. I suppose so"

As the sun hit its zenith for the day and my fellow traveler wandered off to cool down, the meaning of our chat hit me. From that ancient place a perspective came. Life is a worship of sorts; a constant testimony to what we believe in and what we believe is possible. Those beliefs drive us to do everything in our lives. Motivation, then, is intensely personal. It's all about you--your priorities your goals, your passions, and your rewards. Essentially, I discovered, no one can motivate you. Others can merely affect the conditions through which your motivations are realized.

If Denzel Washington were to perform by reading the back of a cereal box, I'd probably pay to behold it. He's just that good of an actor. Yet even an accomplished actor needs a script from which to work. A good script provides not only the current action but a "back story" that lets the actor know why he or she behaves as he does. Without this direction, even the great Denzel's immense talent would be a rudderless barge drifting into the ether. His effort would be for naught because he wouldn't know how to act.

The world is full of opportunities, but sadly, only a minority actually takes full advantage of them. So many of us react and respond but don't have a clear plan for our lives. Many of us do not even know how to start. This is why there are so many poor, unhappy, and benighted people, even in the midst of a world full of abundance, knowledge and love. Are you one of those who "don't know how to act?" Where's your script? Do you have a back story? What, my friend, is your motivation?

David L. Cole is a speaker, trainer, and writer who empowers people seeking personal excellence, professional distinction, and positive social change.

He earned a Masters Degree in Educational Leadership and spent 13 years as a higher education professional. Currently he is the founder of dlcMedia, a company that provides principle-based training through keynotes, workshops, and coaching. dlcMedia helps individuals, organizations, and communities enhance their roles as scholars, leaders and citizens.

You can find out more about his work at http://davidlcole.com

You can reach David at http://davidlcole.com

top rated cleaning service Lake Forest ..

In The News:

Holiday scams spike during Black Friday and Cyber Monday as criminals exploit your leaked personal data. Learn how to protect yourself from fake stores and phishing.

Commerce Department proposes TP-Link router ban over Chinese security risks. Learn how this potential prohibition could affect your home network and devices.

Hyundai AutoEver America suffered a data breach affecting 2,000 current and former employees, exposing names, Social Security numbers and driver's license information.

Washington court rules automated license plate reader images are public records, even when stored by vendors like Flock Safety, setting precedent for transparency.

Fake airline texts claiming flight cancellations are targeting travelers with convincing scams. Learn how cybercriminals steal personal data and credit card info.

Discover how iOS 26's new Adaptive Power feature automatically extends iPhone battery life by learning your usage patterns and adjusting performance intelligently.

New TikTok malware campaign tricks users into running PowerShell commands that download Aura Stealer, which steals credentials and authentication tokens.

Gaia Family offers fixed upfront pricing for IVF cycles with unlimited embryo transfers and financial protection, partnering with over 100 U.S. fertility clinics.

The Jetsons Act aims to position Pennsylvania as a leader in advanced air mobility by establishing regulations for hybrid ground-air vehicles.

Fake Geek Squad invoice emails are targeting users with convincing charges and urgent phone numbers to steal personal information and money.

Fox News Digital's artificial intelligence newsletter digs into a robot in Russia that faceplanted, George Clooney's alarm and OpenAI's rivalry with the New York Times.

Major data breach at Conduent exposes personal information of 10+ million people. Government contractor hit by cyberattack affecting Medicaid, child support systems.

Texas startup Janta Power raises $5.5M for innovative vertical solar towers that generate 50% more energy than traditional panels while using just one-third the land.

NASA's twin ESCAPADE spacecraft launched aboard Blue Origin's New Glenn rocket Thursday afternoon from Cape Canaveral, beginning their journey to Mars with arrival expected in 2027.

Learn how to set email reminders on iPhone and Android so you never forget to reply again. Simple built-in features help you stay organized and on top of messages.

Discover how Apple's passkeys revolutionize Mac security by replacing vulnerable passwords with biometric authentication and encryption for ultimate protection.

New survey reveals 78% of parents fear AI scams targeting their kids, yet nearly half haven't discussed these threats. Learn why this dangerous gap exists.

Chrome now autofills passport and driver's license info automatically. Google's latest browser update adds official document support with encryption and user control.

Scammers impersonate Department of Veterans Affairs employees claiming veterans owe money, but real VA communications only direct to VA.gov or official channels.

The AltoVolo Sigma hybrid-electric aircraft flies 500 miles at 220 mph while operating 80% quieter than helicopters, featuring safety systems and compact design.

Google search scam alert: fake customer service numbers can give scammers remote control of your phone. Learn how to spot these traps and protect yourself.

Electric vehicles overtake gas cars in total CO2 savings after just two years of driving, with emissions benefits growing over time as power grids get cleaner.

Louvre Museum reportedly used "Louvre" as password for surveillance system during $100M jewel heist. Learn how weak passwords put even famous institutions at risk.

Bipartisan AI jobs bill from Sens. Hawley and Warner would require companies to report AI-related layoffs and hiring to Department of Labor quarterly.

Joe A. from Shelton, Connecticut, lost $228,000 to a ZAP Solutions cryptocurrency investment scam after his divorce, highlighting rising online fraud.

Personal Excellence: Whats Your Motivation? (Part 2 of 3)

Success